Devils Score 3 Times in Final 4 Minutes to Top Islanders, 3-0

By TOM PEDULLA

February 3, 2013

UNIONDALE, N.Y. — Seven games into a lockout-shortened 48-game regular season, the Devils knew they would be tested Sunday. They responded with a stout defensive effort in front of the reserve goalie Johan Hedberg before erupting for three goals in the final 3 minutes 54 seconds in beating the Islanders, 3-0.

“It was an important win for us,” Bryce Salvador, the Devils’ captain, said. “It was an important game in terms of how we responded and how we played. We played a great game, and we played for 60 minutes.”

The defending Eastern Conference champion Devils had bowed to the Islanders, 5-4, in overtime at home on Thursday night. They had a number of lapses, and their penalty-killing unit was ineffective as the Islanders converted three of four power-play opportunities. In contrast, the Devils lacked punch with the man advantage, failing in five tries.

The Devils’ play deteriorated further on Saturday night, when they absorbed their first defeat in regulation in a 5-1 loss at Pittsburgh, the Atlantic Division rival Penguins’ first victory at home.

With the Devils (4-1-3) playing their first of 10 sets of back-to-back games this season, they were left with much to correct and little time to correct it. But they responded by showcasing the discipline and depth they need.

“We stuck with it, we were patient,” Devils Coach Peter DeBoer said.

Even as Evgeni Nabokov made one outstanding stop after another for the Islanders — he finished with 26 saves — the Devils never yielded to the temptation of adopting a more freewheeling style and beginning to press. Even as their top scorers were unable to beat Nabokov, they kept the faith that someone else would.

That someone turned out to be right wing Steve Bernier. His hard work around the net allowed him to rap home a rebound to break the scoreless tie with a power-play goal at 16:06 of the third period while Brian Strait served a two-minute penalty for charging. It was only the second power-play goal allowed by the Islanders this season.

Steve Bernier scoring one of his two goals. It was a scoreless game until the final four minutes.

Seth Wenig / Associated Press

DeBoer was quick to note his team’s ability to turn away the Islanders’ explosive power play, denying them on all seven opportunities. “We tightened up defensively,” he said. “The biggest difference was the penalty-killing. The last game, we were fine five on five. They ate us up with the power play.”

Bernier scored again — his third goal of the season — 1:06 after he first solved Nabokov. This time, he resorted to guile, banking in a shot off Nabokov’s skate.

David Clarkson capitalized on an empty net with 22 seconds left.

Hedberg, making his second start of the season, repeatedly stood his ground in turning away 17 shots through the first two periods. Although the Islanders (4-3-1) managed only five shots in the third period, that is when Hedberg, who spends most nights watching Martin Brodeur, had to be at his best.

“I knew Nobby was on fire down there; he was strong the whole game,” Hedberg said of Nabokov. “I kind of felt it would come down to one goal here or there.”

Hedberg made two outstanding stops in the third period. With 5:06 gone, he denied center John Tavares from point-blank range and sank to his knees as he held tight to prevent a rebound. Just 2:58 later, Hedberg outdid himself. Michael Grabner picked off a pass near center ice to create a breakaway. He faked right and veered quickly to his left as he bore down on the goal. Hedberg stretched his right leg to the post to make the save. Again, there was no second chance.

“It’s great when he comes in and performs like that,” Salvador said. “You don’t have to worry about these guys in net. They’re going to give you a chance every night.”

Tavares said Hedberg was the player who made the difference. “He made key saves at key times,” he said.

Stefan Matteau, an 18-year-old center who is considered a huge part of the Devils’ future, was a healthy scratch for the third consecutive game as the front office continues to assess what is best for his development.

If Matteau should play a sixth game, it would count as a full year off his entry-level contract and bring him a year closer to free agency. General Manager Lou Lamoriello has said that contractual considerations will not drive the decision on whether Matteau sticks with the Devils or is returned to his junior team.